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School has applied for Statutory Assessment. LA is asking for our views.

13 replies

Tambaboy · 04/06/2014 19:52

DS (7) Y2 has been in SA+ since Reception. He has a dx of ASD .He has been having 20 hours of support a week for the last 2 terms. The school can't afford this level of support next year as there isn't going to be an additional adult in the classroom, hence they are applying for SA.

He has made good progress with current level of support plus I have been helping him at home ( I'm currently on a career break to support him). The Autism advisory teacher and the SENCO say his main problem it's his lack of focus and poor memory, he needs to be prompted and redirected constantly, they say it's due to sensory problems. His cognitive skills are above average.

Both the school and us know that left to his own devices, DS would sit and chew on everything, stare at the board, touch every surface available in the classroom, and be oblivious to it all!

I'm scared that the LA is going to refuse SA as he has made good progress. He was at P7-P8 at the end of Y1 but he is now on 1b-1a. He has been achieving most of his IEP targets this year.

LA has now received the request and asking us if we want to send them additional information. School has sent them all the evidence and reports available from SALT, OT, Autism teacher and the ICAN assessment.

The school obviously don't have access to the paed reports ,including his ADOS, is that something relevant to the SA process? Should I send them? My first impression is that they are not relevant but I don't know...

I don't have any other independent reports to send.

I've kept a diary of the academic work I do with DS at home since January, is this something worth sending? Or is it just a silly idea?

I have been attending several autism related courses and seminars this year to be able to support DS more effectively, is this relevant?

I have been writing my Parental views for the last few weeks. I thought I only needed to send the document once the LA agreed to assess but as they are asking us for more information now, should I send the document now?

The SENCO says if the LA refuses we really need to appeal!

I'm sorry this post is so long but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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lougle · 05/06/2014 06:57

Send every piece of paper which supports your assertion that your DS's needs are severe, complex or both.

Your case is that he can make progress with adequate support, as evidenced by recent progress when given 1:1 and extensive home support. However, school can't give this next year and you can't stay on a career break to fill the gaps.

Be aware that school will be expected to fund £6000 of his statement so they will have to contribute to his 1:1 next year, regardless.

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Tambaboy · 05/06/2014 09:09

Thanks lougle. The school was already supporting him 12.5 hours a week before this extra adult started helping in the classroom. My career break started about the same time.

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coppertop · 05/06/2014 09:55

I sent everything I had, along with a long report on ds' history, behaviours and needs.

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Tambaboy · 05/06/2014 14:53

Thanks coppertop, I'll just send everything I've got. I thought they would ask for the parental view after they agree to assess and not before.

The senior SEN officer has left me a message to ring her back, I don't really know what she wants to talk about. Is this normal procedure?

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QueenofLouisiana · 05/06/2014 19:52

My understanding is that they ask for this additional information after they agree to assess a child. In our area the SEN panel meets, if they agree that the child needs further assessment the forms to parents, schools and other professionals.

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Tambaboy · 05/06/2014 22:30

I know QueenofLouisiana, that was my understanding too but the letter says
"Your views are very important and you have the right to tell us your reasons as to why you think DS should or should not be assessed. You can either send us your written views by email or post...should be received by us within 29 days... Once we have considered any points you may make we will then decide whether to proceed with the assessment.....if it is decided that the SA is necessary, you will have an opportunity to send in further information if you wish."

I'm hoping to speak to this SEnd officer tomorrow and I'll ask her. If not I'll give Parent Partnership a ring as they are bound to know.

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QueenofLouisiana · 06/06/2014 09:08

Hmmmmm- that's a new one! I'd be really interested to know what SEN officer says, it's always useful to know what the latest thinking is.

Our local SNO is lovely. I hope yours is too.

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billiejeanbob · 06/06/2014 09:15

you need to send everything you have now and then repeat when thwy decide to assess as this will form appendix A of the statement. dont assume that because you sent the info in now that they will include this with appendix a, as they probably wont.
good luck!